Chapter 130: Undercurrents in the Court, Alliance of the Hanhai

Seven days after the Star Observatory incident, the Great Morning Court.

In the Chengping Hall, the atmosphere was more grave and solemn than usual. The civil and military officials were divided, and the three Elders of the overseas mission—Xing Lan, Man Shi, and Xue Chan—were specially granted the honor of standing before the hall to show courtesy. Lin Xuan still stood in the shadow not far behind Huangfu Hao's dragon throne as a guest minister, his aura calm, his gray-purple hair shining with strange light under the light of the pearls in the hall.

Huangfu Hao sat on the dragon throne, his gaze sweeping over everyone below calmly, and finally fell on Xing Lan, saying loudly: "Envoy Xing Lan, thanks to your deduction on the Star Observatory the day before yesterday, although there were accidents, it also gave us a deeper understanding of the situation. I wonder if you have any specific chapters for subsequent cooperation?"

Xing Lan stepped forward, bowed slightly, and held a jade slip emitting faint starlight in his hand: "Your Majesty, the accident the day before yesterday was indeed unexpected, and it also showed the depth and strangeness of the demonic disaster. Precisely because of this, we need to cooperate sincerely even more. This is the 'Hanhai-Tianyuan Joint Defense Demonic Disaster Collaboration Outline' drafted by my Star Palace, please Your Majesty's review."

An attendant respectfully took the jade slip and presented it to the imperial desk. Huangfu Hao's divine sense swept over it, and the content of the jade slip was clear in his heart, but he remained calm on the surface, while his heart was shocked.

The content of the jade slip is mainly divided into three parts:

First, information sharing and technical exchange. The Star Palace is willing to provide some research data on the Return to Ruins Sea Eye, the characteristics of Source Primordial Demonic Energy, and ancient sealing arrays; at the same time, it hopes that the Tianyuan Imperial Dynasty will open some information about Ruins Abyss Demonic Energy, earth vein hollows (Demonic Abyss passages), and related sealing situations, and allow Star Palace array masters to participate in the research.

Second, resource mutual aid. The Tianyuan Imperial Dynasty needs to do its best to help find clues to "Star Essence Gold" and "Chaos Breath Soil." Once discovered, the Star Palace is willing to exchange them with overseas rarities, cultivation methods, pills, etc., of equal or greater value. At the same time, the Star Palace can provide a batch of urgently needed defensive array materials and spirit stones to help the imperial dynasty stabilize the border and rebuild.

Third, personnel exchange and joint action. Both sides will send envoys and observers to be stationed; when necessary, joint cultivator teams can be formed to deal with sudden demonic disaster events or explore ruins; in particular, it is proposed that "Fellow Daoist Lin Xuan, who possesses chaotic power," be invited to participate in the special research on the transformation and utilization of Chaos Breath Soil led by the Star Palace.

The conditions seem fair, and the Star Palace even appears quite generous. But Huangfu Hao knows very well that under this seemingly equal cooperation framework, there is a huge inequality in information and initiative. The Star Palace has an urgent need for information on the demonic disaster in the Tianyuan Continent, but the "ancient sealing array data" given is likely basic or outdated; and once the imperial dynasty opens core secrets such as earth vein hollows, it is difficult to guarantee that the other party will not figure out all the bottom cards. More importantly, specifically requesting Lin Xuan to participate in special research has unpredictable intentions.

"The outline proposed by Envoy Xing Lan is indeed sincere," Huangfu Hao spoke slowly. "However, this matter is of great importance, concerning the foundation of the imperial dynasty and the safety of hundreds of millions of living beings. I need to discuss it in detail with the court officials and consult the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion and Guest Minister Lin before making a decision. Moreover, the outline mentions 'Chaos Breath Soil.' I have read ancient books and only know that this thing is ethereal and difficult to find. I don't know if the Star Palace has more specific clues about where this thing is? Although Guest Minister Lin possesses chaotic power, he may not be directly related to Chaos Breath Soil."

He kicked the ball back, and at the same time pointed out his caution about the Lin Xuan issue.

Xing Lan seemed to have expected it, and said calmly: "Your Majesty's caution is reasonable. As for Chaos Breath Soil, my Star Palace only has ancient star chart fragments pointing to some 'places of birth' or 'world fragments' that may nurture chaotic power. The Tianyuan Continent has a long history, and perhaps such ruins exist. Fellow Daoist Lin's chaotic power may be an important medium for sensing and exploring such ruins. As for the research, there is absolutely no intention of forcing, it all depends on Fellow Daoist Lin's own wishes, and my Star Palace is willing to use a secret method of star refining that reaches the Refining Void Realm as a first chapter as a sincerity exchange."

The first chapter of the Refining Void secret method! As soon as these words came out, many cultivators in the hall breathed faster. The inheritance of the Tianyuan Continent is incomplete, Spirit Transformation is already a huge threshold, and Refining Void is a legendary realm. This "sincerity" of the Star Palace cannot be said to be heavy.

Lin Xuan's eyelids lifted slightly, and a trace of different color flashed. Refining Void secret method is indeed tempting, but he cares more about the "places of birth" and "world fragments" mentioned by the other party. His Chaos Tribulation Dao might really have a fate with such places.

"The Star Palace's thick intention, I thank you on behalf of Guest Minister Lin," Huangfu Hao said noncommittally. "Specific matters will be discussed later. There is another matter right now. The Star Observatory incident the day before yesterday, demonic thoughts spying through the stars, clearly shows that high-level demonic things are coveting this realm. I don't know if the Star Palace has any understanding and prevention methods for this kind of 'starry sky demonic thoughts'?"

This is one of the issues Huangfu Hao cares about most. Being targeted by unknown high-level demonic things makes it hard to sleep and eat.

Xing Lan's expression also became grave: "This kind of demonic thought that can distort star power and perform remote spying or even erosion is rare even in the Hanhai records. It is usually related to some 'ancient demons' or 'extraterrestrial heavenly demons' with very high status sleeping in the depths of the starry sky. They often use stars as eyes and demonic thoughts as tentacles to search for suitable 'prey' or 'coordinates.' Being alarmed this time may be related to the deduction of Star Essence Gold and touching the demonic energy of the earth veins, or it may be... related to the dragon energy you possess, Your Majesty, and Fellow Daoist Lin's chaotic power. Such existences are particularly sensitive to the Son of Fortune and special origin power."

He paused and continued: "As for prevention methods, conventional array restrictions have limited effects. The most effective is to interfere with its 'star coordinates' or shield yourself with higher-level power. My Star Palace has a 'Zhou Tian Star Shifting Array' that can disturb star induction in a small area, which may be arranged in the core area of the imperial city. In addition, dragon energy itself has a natural deterrent to demons. If Your Majesty can further condense dragon energy, it may form a barrier. As for Fellow Daoist Lin's chaotic power... its characteristics are unfathomable, perhaps it has its own ability to shield heavenly secrets."

While answering, he once again emphasized the "specialness" of Huangfu Hao and Lin Xuan, invisibly exerting pressure—you have been targeted, and you need our help even more.

In the court, undercurrents were surging. Civil and military officials whispered and had their own thoughts. Some radicals believe that cooperation is more beneficial than harmful, and they can use overseas power to develop rapidly; some conservatives worry about leading wolves into the house and leaking secrets; and there are representatives of the remnants of aristocratic families, their eyes flickering, not knowing what they are planning.

"Your Majesty!" The Minister of Revenue stepped out again, this time with a slightly slower tone, "The resource mutual aid proposed by the Star Palace is indeed useful for our dynasty's reconstruction. However, opening earth vein information involves national security, and a clear scope and confidentiality clause need to be defined. As for Guest Minister Lin, it concerns his personal Dao path, and it really needs to respect his own wishes."

"I agree," the Minister of War said, "Joint action is feasible, but the command power and distribution of spoils need to be clarified in advance. And our dynasty's cultivators need to be familiar with overseas combat methods to avoid uncoordinated cooperation."

Old Minister Li is more concerned about the root cause: "Star Palace envoy, I have a question. If we find Star Essence Gold and Chaos Breath Soil and help you stabilize the seal of the Return to Ruins Sea Eye, can it guarantee peace for a hundred or a thousand years? Is there any possibility of curing the source demonic disaster?"

Facing the continuous questioning, Xing Lan responded calmly, answering one by one, showing high quality and full preparation. The negotiation proceeded in an atmosphere that seemed harmonious but was actually fighting for every inch.

Lin Xuan remained silent, as if he were an outsider. But his divine sense keenly captured that in the corner of the court, several officials in gorgeous clothes and obscure auras were having extremely obscure divine sense exchanges with a certain follower in the overseas mission. Although the content could not be intercepted, the subtle energy fluctuations could not escape his perception of chaotic tribulation power.

"The inner ghost... is still active. And it seems to have hooked up with some people in the overseas mission." Lin Xuan sneered in his heart and recorded the aura and appearance of those people.

Just as the court meeting was at a critical moment, hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the hall.

A general wearing mysterious armor, dusty and tired, broke into the hall without notification, knelt on one knee, his voice carrying uncontrollable panic:

"Report—! Your Majesty! Urgent report from the eastern coast! Three days ago, in the sea area near the 'Shattered Star Archipelago' co-managed by our dynasty and the 'Bibo Sect,' there was a sudden large-scale sea beast riot, and countless fierce beasts tainted by demonic energy attacked the islands! The Bibo Sect is calling for help! The garrison on the island suffered heavy losses! And... and fishermen claimed that in the sea area at the center of the riot, they saw... saw shadows that looked like humans but were shrouded in thick demonic energy!"

"What?!" The hall was in an uproar!

The Bibo Sect is one of the largest immortal cultivation sects on the eastern coast of the Tianyuan Continent, and it has a close relationship with the imperial dynasty, co-managing the resource-rich Shattered Star Archipelago. Large-scale demonized sea beasts appearing here, and even possibly humanoid demonic things, is definitely not a coincidence!

Xing Lan, Man Shi, and Xue Chan all changed color at the same time. Man Shi roared: "Demonic cubs! How dare they run to the near sea!"

Huangfu Hao stood up abruptly, his dragon robe moving without wind, and a flash of ferocity appeared in his eyes: "Tell me in detail!"

The general quickly presented a detailed battle report and a video jade talisman.

In the image, waves were surging to the sky, and countless sea beasts with red eyes, huge bodies, and black energy wrapped around them were crazily attacking the island's defense line. Cultivators were fighting in blood, and the array light was flickering. And in the mist on the distant sea surface, there were vaguely several shadows that emitted thick demonic energy and had human-like outlines, floating quietly, as if observing, and as if manipulating.

The outline of one of the shadows made Lin Xuan's pupils shrink slightly—it was five or six points similar to the Ruins Abyss demonic shadow that appeared in the imperial capital! But it seemed more solid, and the demonic energy was purer.

"It's a Ruins Abyss demonic thing! And it's not an ordinary demonic puppet, it's a demonic general or even a demonic commander level!" Lin Xuan spoke in a deep voice, speaking actively in the court for the first time, "They appeared on the coast, definitely not by accident. Either there is another exit for the Demonic Abyss rift in this realm, or... it came from overseas!"

His eyes were like electricity, looking at Xing Lan: "Envoy Xing Lan, Endless Hanhai, are there any records of such humanoid high-level demonic things flowing around? Can the Source Primordial Demonic Energy leaking from the Return to Ruins Sea Eye erode sea beasts and give birth to such existences?"

Xing Lan's face was ugly, and he quickly exchanged glances with Xue Chan and Man Shi, and finally nodded slowly: "Yes. In the past hundred years, there have indeed been several similar reports on the edge of the Hanhai, but the scale was small, and the demonic things disappeared quickly after appearing, making them difficult to track. Source Primordial Demonic Energy eroding living beings does have a probability of giving birth to 'demonized bodies' that retain part of their intelligence and have powerful strength... If what appeared in the Shattered Star Archipelago is really this kind of demonic thing, and the scale is so large..."

He took a deep breath, looked at Huangfu Hao, and his tone was extremely grave: "Your Majesty, the situation is probably worse than we imagined. The spread speed and form of the demonic disaster exceeded our estimation. This is no longer just a crisis in the Hanhai or Tianyuan area. I propose that the 'joint action' in the outline be started immediately! Our three parties will send elites to join forces with the power of your dynasty and the Bibo Sect to go to the Shattered Star Archipelago to clear the demonic disaster and find out the source! This battle is both a rescue and a litmus test for our cooperation sincerity!"

The crisis came suddenly, and the cooperation was forced to accelerate.

Huangfu Hao looked at the officials in the hall with different expressions, and then looked at Lin Xuan, seeing the latter nod imperceptibly, and he had a decision in his heart.

He slapped the armrest of the dragon throne, his voice was decisive, carrying a cold murderous spirit:

"Granted!"

"Order the Ministry of War to immediately dispatch the elite of the 'Sea-Suppressing Guard,' coordinated by Eunuch Wei, and set off for the Shattered Star Archipelago within three days!"

"Order the Bibo Sect to hold on and wait for reinforcements, I will personally write an edict to mobilize all sects and aristocratic families along the eastern coast to defend against the demonic tide together!"

"Envoy Xing Lan, Man Shi, and Xue Chan, I agree to start the joint action immediately. Please send experts from your side, and gather at 'Linhai City' in three days to go to the Shattered Star Archipelago together!"

"In this battle, we must find out the demonic source, annihilate the enemy overseas, and boost the prestige of our imperial dynasty and the overseas immortal alliance!"

"We obey the decree!" The hall sounded like a mountain-calling response. No matter what thoughts they had before, now that the enemy was in front, everyone was united against the enemy.

Xing Lan and the three also bowed solemnly: "We obey Your Majesty's decree! My Star Palace (Giant Spirit Sect/Mystic Ice Pavilion) will definitely send capable people to join forces to punish the demonic things!"

The morning court dispersed in a hurry, and all parties were busy preparing.

Lin Xuan and Huangfu Hao returned to the secret room of the Nurturing Heart Hall again.

"Brother Lin, what do you think about the Shattered Star Archipelago incident?" Huangfu Hao frowned.

"Definitely not an isolated incident." Lin Xuan's gaze was profound, "The demonic things chose to appear at this time and place, as if it were a test, and also like a premeditated containment or provocation. Those officials in the court who are secretly communicating with the followers of the overseas mission need to be monitored immediately. At the critical moment, we may be able to follow the vine and find the melon. In addition..."

He looked at Huangfu Hao: "I will go to this joint action. First, my chaotic tribulation power is more restraining to demonic energy; second, I also want to see with my own eyes the methods of overseas cultivators, and what is the difference between the so-called 'demonized bodies' and Ruins Abyss demonic things."

"Good! With Brother Lin there, I am much more at ease." Huangfu Hao nodded heavily, "I will keep a close eye on the court affairs with the Pavilion Master of Heavenly Secrets. Eunuch Wei will go with you; he is steady and can coordinate all parties. In addition..."

He hesitated for a moment and said: "Over at the Quiet Thinking Garden, Zhao Yuan has been a bit different recently. The Pavilion Master of Heavenly Secrets said that his heart barrier has signs of loosening, and he is trying to communicate with a strange broken sword. If this boy can come out, he may be a great help. It's just... letting him participate in this kind of dangerous battle at this time, is it..."

Lin Xuan thought for a while: "Let him choose for himself. If he is willing to go, he can follow and be observed in a relatively safe position. This is an opportunity to face the demonic disaster and also face his inner self. Whether to sink or be reborn, perhaps it all depends on this one move."

"Just follow Brother Lin's words."

Three days passed in a flash.

Linhai City, the eastern portal, war clouds were dense.

The imperial dynasty's "Sea-Suppressing Guard" of three thousand elite cultivators, banners fluttering, murderous spirit soaring to the sky. Eunuch Wei, wearing a dark red eunuch robe, stood on the general-pointing platform, his aura condensed like a mountain. Lin Xuan was still in green clothes, standing with his hands behind his back beside him, his aura plain, but no one dared to underestimate him. Feng Xi shrunk its size and stood on his shoulder, extraordinary.

On the other side, the reinforcements of the overseas mission had also arrived. The Star Palace sent a cold-faced middle-aged sword cultivator carrying a Seven-Star Sword, named "Beichen," at the peak of Soul Formation, his sword intent sharp. The Giant Spirit Sect sent a bald giant "Yan Gang" who was also a zhang tall, holding double hammers, his muscles like refined iron, his aura more violent than Man Shi. The Mystic Ice Pavilion sent a woman "Ling Shuang" who had a similar temperament to Xue Chan but looked younger, at the late stage of Soul Formation, her aura bone-chilling.

The three parties joined forces, and after a simple discussion, they boarded several giant imperial warships and the silver "Patrol Sky Shuttle" provided by the Star Palace, and sailed toward the Shattered Star Archipelago, where waves were surging and demonic energy was faintly visible.

At the bow of the ship, Lin Xuan stood facing the wind, his gray-purple long hair flying, looking at the increasingly heavy haze where the sea and sky met, thunder and chaotic energy intertwined in his eyes.

"Demonic disaster... overseas... Return to Ruins... " he whispered to himself, "What kind of secrets are hidden behind all this? This trip to the Hanhai may be able to find some answers."

The fleet broke the waves and sailed toward the unknown battlefield and fog.

And shortly after they set off, in the Listening to Bamboo Pavilion in the Quiet Thinking Garden, Zhao Yuan, who had been in seclusion for several days, finally opened his eyes. The pitch-black broken sword in his hand, at this moment, on the sword body, a faint dark golden fine line, from the hilt, spread for an inch.

There was not much confusion in his eyes, replaced by a sharpness and calmness of breaking and then standing.

"Demonic disaster... I should also, go face it." He stood up, pushed open the pavilion door, and the sunlight fell, casting a straight and firm shadow behind him. ===== CHAPTER 131 =====